Friday, May 20, 2011

Green Lantern Ride Opens at Six Flags Great Adventure

NJ.com: Taylor Arcieri felt her stomach clench as the newest roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson rose 15 stories into the air.

But as the coaster descended that feeling vanished. Arcieri loved the thrill of being upside down -- while standing up. Arcieri, 16 of Long Beach Island, was one of a handful of people -- including roller coasters enthusiasts, families involved with the Children's Miracle Network, and member of the media -- who got an early preview ride on The Green Lantern: Stand Up to Your Fear earlier today. The stand-up coaster is Six Flag Great Adventure's first.

"That pit of your stomach feeling is gone here because you're standing up," said Arcieri. "The ride went so much faster than I thought. It was great."

The ride is open to season pass holders today through May 22. On May 25, the ride will debut to the general public.

The ride, based on the DC Comic book, and pegged to the feature film "Green Lantern" due out June 17, was designed by Swiss Engineers Bolliger & Mabillard. The firm also designed Six Flag's Nitro, Bizarro, Superman-Ultimate Flight and Batman the ride.

"We chose the Green Lantern because it helps us maintain our thrill superiority with in our local market," said John Fitzgerald, president of Six Flags Great Adventure.

The Green Lantern moves across its steel tracks at 63 mph. The track starts off yellow -- to represents the Parallax, a villain the Green Lantern must defeat. As riders help the Green Lantern, the track turns green and experience a 45-degree vertical drop and then ride through five-inversions including a 121-foot-tall loop during the two and a half minute ride.

Because patrons are standing up, riders' center of gravity is shifted giving each loop and turn a different thrill-seeking feeling. While standing you feel taller and slightly closer to the track. The restraints are comfortable but one's body tends to shift more.

The American Roller Coaster Enthusiasts New Jersey regional representative, Adam Revesz, said the Green Lantern was the best stand-up coaster he's been on. Revesz, 36 of Clifton, has been on almost 400 roller coasters.

"The stand up really gives you a different impression of riding a coaster," Revesz said. "It's really thrilling but almost unnatural at the same time. It almost feels like you're skiing."